Urinary Tract Infection

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection causes inflammation of your urethra, kidneys, or bladder. Infections occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract and multiply. If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, it’s important to visit Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland. That way, you can prevent the infection from getting worse.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• A strong urge to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong-smelling urine

If you have a urinary tract infection, you might also experience pelvic pain.

What are the types of urinary tract infections?

Prohealth Urgent Care of Midland treats the two main types of urinary tract infections, including:

Bladder infections (cystitis)

Cystitis occurs when harmful bacteria, like E. coli, enter your urinary tract. E. coli is commonly found in the gastrointestinal system, but it can easily enter the bladder. You might also experience cystitis due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Urethra infections (urethritis)

Urethritis occurs when harmful bacteria enter your urethra –– the tube where urine leaves your body. Like cystitis, urethritis can occur due to gastrointestinal bacteria or as the result of an STD.

Who is at risk of a urinary tract infection?

Anyone can experience a UTI, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being a woman
• Being sexually active
• Using spermicides
• Menopause

You’re also more likely to experience a UTI if you have an abnormally shaped urinary tract.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

To diagnose a urinary tract infection, your Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland provider orders urinalysis. During urinalysis, your provider has you urinate into a cup. Then, they analyze the sample for red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. After determining the type of infection you have, your provider makes recommendations for treatment.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?

The providers at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. That said, if you experience frequent infections, other treatments might be necessary. For example, your provider might recommend:

• Taking low-dose antibiotics for at least six months
• Routine checkups
• Single-dose antibiotics after sexual intercourse
• Vaginal estrogen if you’re postmenopausal

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and prevent the infection from recurring.

To learn more about treatment for a urinary tract infection, make an appointment at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland by calling the office or booking online today.